Since 1979, we have been helping people in the world’s toughest places survive the crises they confront and turn them into opportunities to thrive.

Our staff — 95 percent of whom are local — work in failing states like Somalia and Zimbabwe. Conflict zones like Afghanistan, Congo and Iraq. And countries that have endured natural disasters like Indonesia, Pakistan and Haiti.

In these places, a child’s life is often at risk. A women’s education is usually ignored. A family’s livelihood is never a sure thing. We respond immediately to emergencies and stick around to build food security, resilience and new economic opportunities as communities rebuild.

In these important and imperiled places, we listen to locals and prioritize their most urgent needs. We take the long-term view and commit to innovative solutions that drive true change. We think big, start small and take responsible risks to benefit the greatest number of people around the world.

Date of Establishment:

01-Jul, 1989

Purpose of Organization:

Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities. Secure, productive and just societies emerge when the private, public, and civil society sectors are able to interact with accountability, inclusive participation and mechanisms for peaceful change.